CITY OFC CREOLA P.0. BOX490 CREOLA, AL36525-0490 Phone: 251-675-8142 FAX: 251-679-8203 Place3 3 Doug Kirkland ChiefofPolice  William Criswell Lee Anne Greene Harold Martin Avis Walker Tonya Moss Kendal Hadaway  Mayor Carolyn Sue Cain City Clerk  Placel  Place2 2 Linda Hoiles Court Clerk  Place4 4  Place 4 Jeff Reeves Fire Chief  Minutes of the City of Creola City Council Meeting  Thursday, September 14, 2017 Creola City Hall 6PM 9615 Old Hwy. 43, Creola, AL  Mayor Criswell called the meeting to order. Chief Kirkland asked everyone to turn off all  cellphones.  Rev. John White gave the Invocation. Pledge of Allegiance Councilwoman Greene Councilman Martin Councilman Walker Councilwoman Moss Councilman Hadaway Mayor Criswell City Attorney Mr. Danny Mims City Clerk Carolyn Sue Cain  Upon the Call of Roll, thet following were found to be present.  Councilwoman Moss made a motion to accept the minutes of August 24, 2017 with corrections.  (page 5-3rd paragraph (Fire Department) = should read floated not flowed.)  CITIZENS. ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL  -None-  RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES AND OTHER BUSINESS  Councilwoman Greene introduced a Resolution from RSA for four (4) retirees from the City of Creola. They will receive a COLA payment. Since the City has not paid anything for RSA for  these retirees, we will pay the following to RSA (ERS):  1    1. Frank Hammond 2. James C. Teague 3. Jeanette McGaskill 4. Melvin Taylor Total:  $ 780.00 736.00 620.00 718.00 $2854.00  A motion was made by Councilman Martin to pay RSA for the retirees COLA payment. Seconded by Councilman Walker, all favored, none opposed, motion carried. We will sign the resolution from RSA (ERS) and return with payment to RSA before the October 315t deadline. Councilman Hadaway and Fire Chief Jeff Reeves addressed the Council with issues concerning the Fire Department Boats being dropped from the city insurance. They were told it costs $1,000.00 per boat a year and the boats had not been on the insurance since 2014. The boats were just added 2/13/2017 to the city AMIC policy by Councilman Hadaway. Councilman Hadaway reported that the 1980 Boston Whaler premium was only $133.00 this year, and the big boat was on the insurance this year at no charge. The premium for the big boat will be $400.00 a year upon renewal, and the smaller boat's premium will be $140.00 next year, totaling $540.00 next year for both boats. Chief Reeves stated that the boats are specialty items and don't have to be on the water to run as they can be run on a water hose to conserve fuel. The fire department donates 6000 hours in training (in house), runs 40-50 calls a month, and the City only spent $5,000.00 last year on the VFD. Chief Reeves asked if there is an issue with us having water craft? The axle on the boat is broken but we can fix the axles. The flood situation in Texas could have easily been us. The jet ski is not in service so it is not insured-until we get it running. We are being pressured to get rid of the big boat. We have a truck to launch itwith, and most of the time we use our personal trucks to launch them. We have used the smaller boat for the past two weekends as the big boat is not running since it has the broken axle. Councilwoman Moss asked how long have the boats not been in service? Chief Reeves stated the big boat was in service until two weeks ago when the axle broke. We: spend our grant money for the repairs as well, and we do 90% of the repairs for our equipment and it doesn't cost the city a dime. If there is not an issue with the watercraft, we will fix the axles. Chief Reeves stated that he didn't see the need to report everything being fixed if it was no cost to the city. Councilwoman Moss stated that everything should come before the council. Chief Reeves stated that these issues with the boat and insurance started a long time ago with the previous council. Mayor Criswell asked, "How many calls are made with the boats?" Chief Reeves stated they had two calls with boats this year, but we only had 4 structure fires this year and we have 5 trucks, SO you can't look at call volume to judge when the boats will be needed. Once the new Engine 5 is in service, we will house Engine #1 at the Fire Training Center as a spare truck. Councilwoman Greene stated that she did like this report, and that the council needs a report at least once a month, SO we will know what is working and what is not. Mayor Criswell stated that we maintain all equipment and you will be receiving a $2,500.00 grant this month from Norfolk Southern Railroad, SO the fire department will have extra money for  equipment.  2    Mayor Criswell asked for the openings of the bids for the backhoe for the Public Works Department. The request for sealed bids was posted in the Call News on August 30, 2017. We emailed Scott Gallops with Thompson Tractor and Brian Hendry with Beard Equipment, as well. Mayor Criswell and Councilman Walker had spoken with both companies early in the planning stage. We received one sealed bid from Beard Equipment for a 2011J John Deere Backhoe with a 36" ditching bucket and a mechanical thumb in the amount of $35,589.00. Councilman Walker made a motion to accept bid, seconded by Councilman Martin, Roll Call for the vote:  Councilwoman Greene Councilman Martin Councilman Walker Councilwoman Moss Councilman Hadaway Mayor Criswell Approved by Roll Call vote.  YES YES YES YES YES YES  We will work out the financing. Beard Equipment representatives were present at the meeting. Councilwoman Greene read the guidelines for the cleaning bids and stated that we only  received two bids for cleaning city hall.  1. 2.  Kristie Kelly Cleaning Service Angela Adams Cleaning Service  $125. Bi-Weekly ($250. Month) $125. Weekly  They are both licensed and bonded. Cleaning bids were advertised in the Call News. Councilwoman Greene made a motion to hire Kristie Kelly @ $125. Bi-weekly, seconded by  Counciiwoman Moss, Roll call for vote. Councilwoman Greene Councilman Martin Councilman Walker Councilwoman Moss Councilman Hadaway Mayor Criswell  YES YES YES YES YES YES  Councilwoman Greene introduced a resolution to add a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 to the insurance. We purchased the truck from Mobile County for Don Moss, the building inspector. We received the title and now we have sent $24.25 to Montgomery to purchase a Municipal tag. We cannot purchase a Municipal tag in Mobile. We will add truck to insurance when we receive the tag. Councilman Walker made motion to see how the truck will be used. Will it be parked at City Hall or driven home every night? Building Inspector Moss explained how the truck will be used. It would be parked in his garage and only driven back and forth to work. He explained that when he goes to SSAB at 5am in the morning, he goes from his house to there and then to City Hall and he gets calls after hours and would have all his gear in the truck. Attorney Mims stated that we could check with other municipalities and establish a vehicle use policy city wide rather than person by person and see what will work. Councilman Hadaway commented that the inspectors truck is a benefit to help with low salary, just like the Police Chief's truck is a benefit to compensate for his low salary. Councilwoman Greene stated that we could do a check and balance list in the truck for mileage. Councilman Martin amended  3    Councilman Walker's motion to table until we have time to do more research and come up with aj policy fair to council, citizens and Mr. Moss. Seconded by Councilwoman Greene, all favored, Councilwoman Moss stated that we need to hire an engineer for the Axis annexations. We can contact Volkert. Attorney Mims stated that we need to hire a surveyor like Byrd or Rowe. We are required to have a map that identifies the property to annex. Councilman Martin made motion that we do a mail survey with our Axs/alco/LeMoyne neighbors to see what their interests are. We want them to feel like they are being invited and not like we are pressuring them into something they don't want. Before we spend al lot of money surveying, etc., let's do the survey and see exactly who is interested. We are not trying to do anything without their approval. Councilwoman Moss seconded, all favored, none opposed. Motion carried. Councilman Hadaway is working on the Video Presentation for the City to present to new The Council recently passed an Ordinance for a 3-cent Excise tax. A motion was made by Councilwoman Moss to open a separate account at Regions for Infrastructure with the 2-cent tax and the 1-cent tax will go in the General Fund. Seconded by Councilman Hadaway, all favored, none opposed. Motion carried. Mayor Criswell stated that one of the driving forces on this was when we lost most of what we were getting from Hatters Pond Field when Saraland took it. We still have the plant. We need this money for infrastructure and other things. We needed a way to recover this. We are still 1 cent below Satsuma. This is from the oil coming Councilwoman Greene stated that we received the $5,000. from L.I.P. to be spent on the park. Community Day is hosted by L.I.P., the first Saturday in November each year at the park. Councilwoman Moss spoke with Major Holt and he stated that the Mom's bring snacks for the kids at the park and they need tables (regular & one that is nandicap-accessible., We received  none opposed. Motion carried.  business prospects to the City of Creola.  from the ground not a gas tax at the pump.  bids for these items for the park. 1. 18x20 cement slab 2. Tables-r regular crimson color 3. 1-ADA Table  $ 1,375.00 Sam Sanders will pour slab  1,308.00 1,294.00 $ 4,972.00  4. 18x21 Carport Cover Gray) (Trotter Marine) 995.00 (installed)  Total:  Councilwoman Greene made a motion to purchase all these items for the park. We will come back to the Council in. January 2018 to add 2 maroon round tables. All the tables can be bolted Councilwoman Greene introduced a Resolution for the EMA Mitigation Plan by Rev. John White. Councilman Hadaway has been working with Bro. John White on this project. Mayor Criswell explained that the City has a past due balance with Mobile County EMA. Approximately $26,000. that has not been paid in over 6 years. We are now paying the appropriations due each month. EMA is working with us on this balance and they are pleased that we are paying in  in the cement.  4    at timely manner. EMA has a Storm Preparedness Plan when a storm or hurricane is predicted. We will work thru when the storm has passed our house. We have no shelters but Creola Assembly of God Church has the facilities to take care of our citizens who have been displaced. The Creola VFD, the Creola PD and the Council are all involved. We will also provide generated power. Councilwoman Greene made a motion to table the EMA Mitigation plan until next meeting., seconded by Councilman Walker, all favored, none opposed. Motion carried. Councilwoman Greene made a motion to suspend the rules and request for immediate consideration and introduce the Creaduer property for annexation and sign the ordinance. This property joins the Forrest, Smith and Evans properties. Councilwoman Moss seconded, all Councilwoman Greene made a motion to introduce an ordinance to create a Public Works Department for the City of Creola. We will suspend the rules, ask for immediate consideration and vote on the ordinance itself. Seconded by Councilwoman Moss, all favored, none opposed. Motion carried. Mayor Criswell commented that we are the only city ini the county that doesn't have a Public Works Department. This must be published in the Call News. A motion was made to create a Public Works Department. Seconded by Councilwoman Moss. Roll call for  favored, none opposed. Motion carried. 2017- 00p  vote. Councilwoman Greene Councilman Martin Councilman Walker Councilwoman Moss Councilman Hadaway Mayor Criswell  YES YES YES YES YES YES  Mayor Criswell stated that this is another step forward to take care of our city.  Building Inspector, Don Moss, spoke with Chopper Stagner about the drainage near his property. Mr. Stagner will cut a 4-ft. ditch to Hardy Rd. toward Gunnison Creek and do this project at his own expense. This will help Frenchman's Bend with their water issues.  PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE  Councilman Greene announced that there will be a Public Hearing for Jednet-Elenburg Subdivision following the regular Planning & Zoning meeting at 6PM on September 19t.They will be sub-dividing SO the Elenburg's will have a way out. They live on Tolbert Rd. Public Hearing has been posted all month. There is no other business on the agenda for the regular  meeting.  PARKS AND RECREATION Dto create al Lil League Football field.  Councilwoman Moss reported that she has applied for a $25,000.00 grant with Gulf Coast RC& Councilwoman Moss spoke with Major Holt. We will purchase a 4 X 4 aluminum sign "North Mobile Soccer Club" from Explosive Signs for $300.00 to be placed on the chain-link fence. This will recognize the kids and make the park look nice, as well. The Club colors are crimson and  5    gray and the sign will bear these colors. Major Holt has approximately 350 kids on Saturday. The kids come from Spanish Fort, Daphne, Fairhope, Citronelle. Major Holt does sO much for the park and we certainly want to recognize his teams. Councilwoman Greene made a motion to purchase the sign out of the General Fund, seconded by Councilwoman Moss, all favored,  none opposed. Motion carried. UTILITIES AND SENIOR CITIZENS ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS  Councilwoman Moss reported that the S.A.I.L. Center account balance is: $952.52  No Report  FINANCE  Councilwoman Greene made a motion to accept the financial report, giving a copy to the Council. (see details of report listed below.) Copies available to citizens attending the meeting wishing to have a copy. All revenues at the end of August totaled: $107,013.37. Also, a Find  Report for checks written in August totaled: $107,4453.57.  Court Bond. Account Court Fund Special Court Fund Fire Department General Fund Money Market Police Department S.A.I.L. Center Account 7-cent Special Gas Tax Account 4-cent5-centGas Tax Account  $ 1,834.66 37,440.53 10,101.90 15,300.20 98,581.68 13,519.66 7,428.97 952.52 19,919.52 17,053.45 $ 225,913.47  Total: (in bank)  Seconded by Councilman Moss, all favored, none opposed. Motion carried.  POLICE AND FIRE POLICE  Councilman Martin spoke with Jim Teague, Assistant Police Chief, back in the day, about when the police station was built and was told early 1980's. The PD operates 24/7. I want to personally thank the Mayor and Council for their support with the money being spent to improve the looks of the police building. Councilman Martin made a motion to pay $1,440.00 for the 18 - LED panels to City Electric and installed by Pike Electric. Seconded by Councilman Walker, all favored, none opposed. Motion carried. We have had the roof repaired, painting interior of building and had to replace the water heater. Kudos to Chief Kirkland, Dispatcher Tew and all the staff for working thru the dust. Also, want to Thank the "Friends of Creola PD" for the beautiful landscaping in front of the PD. They worked Labor Day Weekend to beautify  our grounds.  6    Councilman Martin made a motion to purchase jumpsuits for the inmates $377.44; 10 coated mattresses w/ pillows - $1,169.50 and food/supplies for the inmates from Chickasaw Cash & Carry for $175.73. The total: $1,722.67 to be paid out of the Court Corrections Fund. The Court Corrections Fund has a balance of $37,440.53. Councilman Walker seconded, all favored, none  opposed. Motion carried.  Councilman Martin gave a financiat report for the PD:  Beginning Balance Deposits Card Purchase Checks (written) La Gear Paint Shop 100.00 Fender D'sStitches 135.00  $  7103.46 863.47 72.96 uniforms 360.00  72.96 125.00 360.00  Ending Balance  $7533.97  Councilman Martin made motion to accept the PD financial report. Seconded by Councilwoman  Moss, all favored, none opposed, Motion carried.  Mayor Criswell stated that no check leaves City Hall without 2 signatures.  Councilman Martin stated that Creola Court meets once a month at the Senior Center. We are responsible for the safety of the court. The court has to have a Bailiff. Chief Kirkland has been serving in that capacity since he came on as Chief, April 4, 2017. Itis is a lot of work to set up for court. Councilman Martin made a motion to compensate Chief Kirkland at $250.00 a month retroactive back to April 2017, to be paid out of the Court Administrative fund, Seconded by  Councilman Walker. Roll call for vote: Councilwoman Greene Councilman Martin Councilman Walker Councilwoman Moss Councilman Hadaway Mayor Criswell Approved by Roll Call Vote.  YES YES YES YES YES YES  Both Councilman Martin and Councilwoman Greene stated that the former Police Chief was paid $250. Month to serve as Bailiff. The Chief understands that for any reason he cannot serve as Bailiff, he will notify us who worked. The Court Fund is generated by the police department. Councilman Hadaway reported that the fire department needs to buy t-shirts and jackets for the 27 volunteer firemen. They have to re-order these items every 2-3 years. Councilwoman Greene made a motion for the fire department to purchase t-shirts and jackets from Explosive Signs for 27 volunteers for $2,975.95 and the price is tax exempt. Mayor Criswell reminded Chief Reeves that they would be receiving a $2,500.00 grant from Norfolk Southern. It is in the mail and should be here soon. Councilman Martin seconded, all favored, none opposed, Motion  FIRE  7    carried. Councilman Hadaway reported that the fire department gets money each year from the state forestry. Our check from the state was $14,562.00. The balance ini the Fire account is: Mayor Criswell reported that the City met with the LeMoyne Water Board recently to discuss the dirty water problem. We discussed the problem and recommended that they flush the lines. Everyone received a letter this week saying they were going to flush the lines. The  $15,300.20.  problem seems to be much improved.  STREETS  Councilman Walker made a motion to get the motor grader to grade Ducey Road and get 3 loads of the big slag. We have the check ready for the operator. We can get the slag from Tim Tew at approximately $400 a load. Mayor Criswell stated that this is steel slag. Seconded by  Councilman Hadaway, all favored, none opposed. Motion carried.  COMMUNITY GROUP None ADDITIONAL NOTES None MAYOR'S DISCUSSION  Mayor Criswell stated that AMIC Insurance adjuster came and worked with us on the damages to old city hall. Since there had been no maintenance done to the building for at least 15 years, we won't get any money for water damage. We had 9 leaks in the police department and several leaks in old city hall. We had two lightning strikes that wiped out several pieces of computer equipment, we will receive some monies for this. The adjuster suggested that we pull Mayor Criswell commented that we are moving forward with our new city hall. We have our 2 new: signs up. One is lighted ini the back and can be seen from Hwy. 43. We have one sign by the driveway on Old Hwy 43 and we have moved the Bicentennial sign from the old building to the front of our new city hall. We have paid all our bills from moving and we are in good shape. We have al budget established and we are moving forward. We will have a Ribbon Cutting, possibly November 7, 2017, being the first anniversary of the new administration taking office. We will Councilwoman Greene gave an update on the BP Grant. We are in Bucket 3, listed at #391. If we get this BP grant, we can pay the $375,00. 001 for the new City Hall. The money would not be Councilwoman Greene reported that the Creola Christmas parade will be at 11am, November 18, 2017. It is the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year as to not interfere with other parades. We will start the parade on Creola Lane, move up old Hwy. 43 and end at the park.  the old city hall from the insurance and condemn the building.  invite dignitaries and other officials.  awarded for at least two years.  8    Councilwoman Greene reminded everyone that this month's Municipality Dinner hosted by City of Creola will be held at Creola Assembly of God Church on Old Hwy 43 September 21t7 PM. Judge Naman will be our guest speaker Tyner's Catering will provide the food. We ordered 125 cups w/ our City logo on them to give each person attending. We have about 50 RSVP'ssof far. Mayor Criswell stated that we will host the Community Day on Nov 4th at the park. All the plants will set up tents and participate. We will have security. An officer will spend the night in Councilwoman Greene offered "Thanks" to Jason Skelton, a Satsuma City Council Member. He set up at LaQuinta Inn in Satsuma and fed all the evacuees from the storm. Everyone donated money, supplies and food. Creola First Baptist Church gave! 50 gift cards to the evacuees. Mayor Criswell, a member of the Advisory Council at Citronelle HS attended a breakfast Wednesday morning, prepared by the Culinary Dept. at the Academy. Randy Campbell, Principal, and Amy Mills, Senior Counselor, explained that the students in the Academy take 2 core classes and 2 academy classes. This teaches them leadership skills, responsibility and also teaches them math. The Academy has $300,000. worth of equipment. They make robots and programs servers. The Academy works with all the plants in North Mobile County preparing the students for the working world. On October 12th, the teachers & students will go to Alabama  the park.  Power and spend the day. This exposes the students to lots of opportunities.  ADIOURNMENT MOTION BY: Councilman Walker SECONDED BY: Councilwoman Moss Meeting adjourned @ 7:30p.m. Respectfully submitted,  Carolyn Sue Cain City Clerk c.m. 9.14.2017  9